CNET First Look

Did HP ruin my favorite laptop? Kinda

The new HP Spectre x360 is good -- if you like thinner laptops with fewer ports.

1:53 / November 9, 2016

Transcript

[MUSIC]
Would you rather have a thin laptop, or a thicker one with more ports?
Apple's not the only one making you choose.
HP is replacing the Spectre x360 with a newer, thinner model.
destroying one of my favorite laptops in the process.
[SOUND]
Okay well maybe not destroying.
The new specterect 360 is good.
It's a sleek speedy machine with six hours of real The world battery life, plus one of the best touchpads you'll find on a
Windows computer.
I love the way this smooth glass feels against my finger.
Ever wanted to log into a computer with your face?
The new Spectre X360 does that too.
And it's got a new Bang &amp; Olufsen branded quad speaker array that comes through loud and clear.
And I've got to admit, I like my barely-there screen bezels as much as anybody.
You only get them on the new model.
But the thing I liked best about the previous Spectre x360 was it's wide array of full sized ports, and you don't get them here.
Used to be I could plug in two monitors, a mouse, keyboard, thumb drive even my camera's SD card into the Spectre without a dongle or hub.
Here, you only get one full-size USB port and two of these multi-purpose USB C-jacks.
And for what?
The new Spectre X360 is only 2.1 millimeters thinner, a third of a pound lighter, and a teensy bit smaller now.
And 2.85 pounds, it's still not quite light enough to pick up like a tablet.
Hasn't passed that threshold.
Thankfully for now, you do get to chose.
Last year's HP Spectre x360 is still on sale for the same price with just as much battery life, only a hair less processing power than the new model.
Honestly, either computer should serve you well.

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